I don't mind anything just so it helps to make a comfortable home for the old lady and the kids." "Ah, the kids," said Hugh, grasping at the subject as if it were the proverbial straw.

"How I love kids! How many have you ?" "Four.

The oldest is ten." "They're worth working for, I'll bet.

Nothing like children.

How many have you ?" "Four," said the officer, looking at him in surprise.
"I'm a little deaf," explained Hugh, recovering himself quickly.